Hey..if you're a big guy, and/or plan on carrying 100 lbs or more of stuff, and/or plan on riding the KLR pretty hard (air time) then yes, suspension upgrades, braided brake lines, and a license plate move will most likely be called for.

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Thanks for the reply. Do you know the load capacity for the KLR650? I know that the BMW F650 load capacity is a little over 400 pounds with the stock setup. For the price the KLR is looking better to me. I saw a '97 model for $2100 and I can buy a new one for $4600.

Looks like a lot of upgrades for the KLR would be needed. Front and rear suspension upgrade, fork brace, then all the luggage

This is a SHORT notice of a dirt ride tomorrow We are starting here in Huntsville at 9:00am. We'll ride a few horus and wind up in Montgomery for lunch at King's Cafe around noonish, about the time a front comes rolling through and drops the temps. Supposedly, there is only a 20% chance of rain... If we get real lucky, the front will pass through while we are eating and then we will keep riding all afternoon, getting back to Huntsville around 4-5pm. Figure 200-230 miles round trip from starting point and back, not including your mileage to get here. My home address is:

1617 Woodland Lane
Huntsville, Tx. 77340
936-295-0187

We'll be running through some National Forests and doing lots of little county roads, hitting pavement just to get between the fun dirt stuff. Expect dry sand, wet sand, mud, clay, gravel, pine needles... Knobbies not required but sure make it easier No single track stuff though.

David from Austin (central Texas). I'm ready to do a lot of hill country riding and looking for a run to Big Bend soon. The Tiger has some dual sportability so I'm also interested in dirt/gravel roads, maybe some jeep tracks around to try getting dusty, if not dirty.

A question for those of you that have done some dualsport riding in the Big Bend area. Has anyone gone down FM 169 from Marfa and run the loop that goes down around Papalote Escondido, Colorado and thru Wire Gap? If so, is this a route doable on a GS1150 with TKC 80's? I'm just trying to lay out some decent dualsport routes out of Alpine that would take most of the day (9 to 5 hehe). Anyone?

David from Austin (central Texas). I'm ready to do a lot of hill country riding and looking for a run to Big Bend soon. The Tiger has some dual sportability so I'm also interested in dirt/gravel roads, maybe some jeep tracks around to try getting dusty, if not dirty.

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A couple of guys from the Houston area are planning to head out to Big Bend mid February. I'll check and see, I don't think they would mind having another along. Some fexibility in the exact date might be necessary since the weather might cause it to be shuffled to another weekend.

A question for those of you that have done some dualsport riding in the Big Bend area. Has anyone gone down FM 169 from Marfa and run the loop that goes down around Papalote Escondido, Colorado and thru Wire Gap? If so, is this a route doable on a GS1150 with TKC 80's? I'm just trying to lay out some decent dualsport routes out of Alpine that would take most of the day (9 to 5 hehe). Anyone?

Adios,

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You may also want to look at Pinto Canyon Rd out of Ruidosa to Marfa as well. I understand 169 from where it crosses the tracks south to 170 is a maintained gravel road. I'll know more next month

Desert Skies, I look forward to your scouting report! It looks like we will be basing the rally out of Alpine.

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Thirdcoast, you tried to register on the TWT site. Earthlink may send the emails from the forum into your spam folder. If you did not get the account confirmation email, please let me know and I can manually activate the account for you. You will need to make sure that admin@twtex.com is an address that does not get blocked by the spam filters.

A question for those of you that have done some dualsport riding in the Big Bend area. Has anyone gone down FM 169 from Marfa and run the loop that goes down around Papalote Escondido, Colorado and thru Wire Gap? If so, is this a route doable on a GS1150 with TKC 80's? I'm just trying to lay out some decent dualsport routes out of Alpine that would take most of the day (9 to 5 hehe). Anyone?

Adios,

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It's been about 3 years since I was on that loop, but at the time the road got very rough past Plata but was no problem. Another good ride is to take 2810 south from Marfa. The pavement ends near the Chinati Mts. and comes out at Ruidosa. Hwy. 170 from Ruidosa to Presidio is fun w/ lots of big dips and long sweepers. (NOT GOOD IF IT'S RAINING!) One note, Hwy. 170 is under construction from Study Butte to Lajitas w/ the pavement torn up and they are putting water on it so it can get muddy & slick. I don't know how much of it is under construction from Presidio to Lajitas at this time.

This is just a reminder that this Saturday, there is a HUGE gathering of riders in Hico at the Koffee Kup Cafe. We are meeting at 11:30am for lunch and pie, then everyone heads their separate ways. Here is the thread with the info and list of attendees:

Thanks for the reply. Do you know the load capacity for the KLR650? I know that the BMW F650 load capacity is a little over 400 pounds with the stock setup.

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According to some of the Yahoo folks, 400 lbs for a stock KLR. Since you're in Houston, look up the TexasDS Yahoo group and join us if you like. Lots of folks in the group live around the Houston area. That goes for any Texas Adventure rider, all are welcome!

According to some of the Yahoo folks, 400 lbs for a stock KLR. Since you're in Houston, look up the TexasDS Yahoo group and join us if you like. Lots of folks in the group live around the Houston area.

2nd Cypress rider checkin , just discovered this thread tonite it moves to the top of the list NAG gets no. 2 . Took my Cagiva to BB over Thanksgiving big smiles for 4 days went thru the hill country to Ozona than down to Langtry ,rode ore road friday aft . Had to go to Stude Bute to get a room the park was full. Went to the basin for breakfast on sat. than down to Santa Elana canyon than up Mavrick road. met a group of ds bikes at the gas stop outside the park including the dealer I bought my 950 from Not only sells them but rides and wrenchs and has handeled my few problums very well. Rode west on 170 , my first time The first 20 miles will hold your attention. Went out to Reiodosa, than up Pinto Canyon best road in Texas. A little rain was falling in Marfa sunday morning so I went to Guadalupe mtns. the sun was shining there. Rode around there a wile than headed back home . 2000 miles of smiles and ready to do it again . seya

2nd Cypress rider checkin , just discovered this thread tonite it moves to the top of the list NAG gets no. 2 .

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What is NAG? Glad that you had a nice ride, thanks for the ride report.

Just to let people know in the Houson area Gulf Coast BMW has a KTM640 Adventure, well used, and for sale in the $4K price range. Plastic is scuffed pretty bad, but it starts and runs pretty well. No side stand, only a centerstand, what is up with that?

I test road the F650 Dakar over there, Loved it. I did not test ride the KTM... maybe tomorrow... but that is one scary machine. Scary because you can't get parts and it costs a lot to maintain.... And scary because ... it just is an awsome bike. And how do you put it on the centerstand when there is no side stand... Strange ...